6 B Corps Supporting Global Artisans
Vote Every Day for a More Positive World Through Unique Purchases
Especially during the holiday season, we make a lot of purchases — each of which has ripple effects through the world. Instead of invisible creators, the companies on this list highlight and uplift the artisans who craft the products they sell. And the brands in the list below are B Corps: for-profit businesses that meet rigorous, third-party-verified social and environmental standards to balance profit and purpose. You’re sure to find unique products you can feel good about by sticking with the B Corps below.
You have voice and power beyond the ballot box. By buying from, working for and doing business with B Corps, you vote for what you believe in. Every day is election day — Vote Every Day. Vote B Corp.
CAUSEBOX
Each season, the CAUSEBOX team curates a limited-edition box filled with products doing good, empowering artisans, and saving the environment. Inside of CAUSEBOX you’ll find jewelry, homewares, skincare products, accessories and more. CAUSEBOX curates, vets, and validates socially conscious companies. Every product has a story — and those stories of impact and change are told in a seasonal magazine (included in every CAUSEBOX), called Good News. Your CAUSEBOX subscription also supports the advocacy work of the company, which partners with and serves different charities to help them raise funds, reach more people, and tell their stories of empowerment and impact.
ChiloteShoes
The ChiloteShoes mission is to develop sustainable footwear while empowering independent makers and artisans. Its first product is an award-winning, wool slipper handmade in Patagonia that is oh-so-cozy. There is no factory, so each pair is made “slow” with care and pride by independent female artisans. The slippers are made of only two materials, sheep wool and upcycled salmon leather, both local renewable materials sourced in Patagonia. ChiloteShoes seeks to support highly vulnerable artisan women in rural Patagonia, empower women to generate an ethical income doing what they love from home, and sustain a unique culture and heritage.
Hiptipico
Hiptipico strives to create a sustainable avenue for high quality, artisan-level products to reach the global fashion marketplace. Its goal is to support the creativity, ingenuity and passion of these local artisans in Guatemala while preserving Mayan culture and traditions. Hiptipico honors the Mayan culture, motivates local entrepreneurial spirits, and empowers families and communities. Every Hiptipico item is thoughtfully handcrafted by indigenous communities, using high-quality sustainable materials.
NEEV
NEEV, which means “foundation” in Hindi, creates original home décor and personal accessories, from beautiful window treatments and elegant table linens to chic scarves and bags. All products are hand-dyed with plant-based colors and woven by skilled Indian artisans in cooperatives the artisans own and operate. NEEV’s entire supply chain is ethical and eco-friendly and provides livable wages and steady jobs to artisans while keeping the exquisite handloom weaving artistry and traditions alive. And half of the company’s profits go to charities that reflect their funding goals, from supporting women to achieve financial independence via microloans and business training in Zambia to educational support and vocational training to girls in underserved communities in India.
Noonday Collection
You can have the look of a world traveler without actually getting out and about. Noonday travels the world to identify artisan entrepreneurs who share their dream of creating meaningful opportunity in vulnerable communities. The founders design jewelry and accessories in collaboration with talented artisans, using unique materials and traditional skills to create beautiful jewelry. To date, the company has impacted 4,500 artisans from all over the world. Through donations and programming, Noonday has helped about 20,500 family members stay together who may have otherwise had to give up children because of poverty and other difficulties.
Wakami
Wakami’s mission is to generate income for rural artisans that, despite having great knowledge and potential, are disconnected from markets. It believes in the power of dreams as the generator of inspiration and the market forces as the source of sustained prosperity. It aspires to create a world where diversity is celebrated, rights and responsibilities are treasured, and prosperity and security are attainable for all. The company represents the artisans through designing, developing and selling products, while its partner organization Communities of the Earth leads coaching and training for the rural artisan groups to become legalized enterprises that supply the value chain with handcrafted products. This whole network builds toward the company’s tagline: Be your dream.
B the Change gathers and shares the voices from within the movement of people using business as a force for good and the community of Certified B Corporations. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the nonprofit B Lab.
